Mapping the ESG – CFP Nexus : Bibliometric, Thematic, and Meta-Analytical Synthesis

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17010/ijf/2026/v20i2/175363

Keywords:

ESG disclosure score, corporate financial performance, bibliometric analysis, meta-analysis, content analysis.
JEL Classification Codes: G30, G34, L25, Q56
Publication Chronology: Paper Submission Date : August 14, 2025 ; Paper sent back for Revision : February 2, 2026 ; Paper Acceptance Date : February 8, 2026 ; Paper Published Online : February 15, 2026.

Abstract

Purpose : The objective was to analyze ESG performance and firms’ corporate financial performance using bibliometric and meta-analytic methods to identify the most influential authors, journals, and articles in the field and to calculate the financial impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG).

Methodology : A total of 1,128 documents were sourced from the Scopus database and refined using PRISMA to conduct a bibliometric analysis. Of these, 550 articles were included in the meta-analysis using a random-effects model.

Findings : We reported a growing trend in the publication examining the relation between ESG and Corporate Financial Performance (CFP) literature. The meta-analysis results indicated a positive relationship between ESG and CFP.

Practical Implications : The findings suggested that managers, investors, and policymakers should recognize firms’ practice of ESG criteria as it creates long-term firm value and sustainable financial performance.

Originality : This study was among the first to integrate bibliometric, thematic, and meta-analysis to examine ESG–CFP relationship, thereby advancing previous literature.

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Published

2026-02-15

How to Cite

Saxena, P., & Begde, P. (2026). Mapping the ESG – CFP Nexus : Bibliometric, Thematic, and Meta-Analytical Synthesis. Indian Journal of Finance, 20(2), 26–49. https://doi.org/10.17010/ijf/2026/v20i2/175363

Issue

Volume 20, Issue 2, February 2026

Section

Articles
Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC

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